she's part of the progressive caucus which produced his own plan this week to trim the deficit without cuts to our safety net. congresswoman, let me go to you first. the president made it clear he'll fight for what he believes is right. will republicans fold yet again? >> well, i certainly hope they will. apparently, john boehner said we're done with taxes. the president was very clear that when meeting the economic and fiscal challenges ahead, that he wants to keep in perspective whether the cop or the receptionist was able to make it. and he did contrast it with what the republicans want. and they want to cut medicare and social security. and so he said fine, let's argue this out in the public. and he clearly felt confident that he and we would win if that bat 8 takes place. >> now, the reason i'm asking, congresswoman, is "politico" is reporting that the economy is crumbling. let me quote. >> if that is true and the democratic caucus stands together and the president stands firm, they will have backed down yet again. >> exactly. you know, reverend al, that this sequester was never i